The ABC's of Choosing a Career

Do you remember when you were 7 years old and, people would ask you: "What do you want to be, Susie...or Johnny, or Mikey when you grow up?" If you didn't answer right away, might be because your name is Marvin or Zelda. Ultimately though, you probably replied: "I'm going to be a firefighter or a doctor, a teacher or a clown." The first three responses were most likely met with praise and a pat on the back; unless your parents were, indeed, clowns in the circus. Can you imagine Bobo, the clown, lamenting to Sylvester, the Sword Swallower: " Oy vey, my little Sparky wants to be a dentist. Where did I go wrong?"

Meanwhile, Susie's parents were boasting to their friends: "Susie is going to be a brain surgeon when she grows up. She's so good with scissors. She's at the top of her class when it comes to cutting out hearts, pumpkins and snowflakes from construction paper. For such a young child, she has incredible hand-eye coordination!" In an attempt to elicit a laugh, her parents would slyly add: "She's such a cut-up."

Susie was already receiving praise for her future career choice while poor Sparky was being shunned not only by the bearded lady, but also by Charlie, the chimp. In some ways he didn't mind Charlie giving him the cold, furry shoulder. Charlie was starting to get on Sparky's nerves anyways with his "top banana" routine. Let's face it, nobody likes an arrogant chimp. If they ever got hold of the movie, "Planet of the Apes", watch out! It could get ugly. I don't think too many of us would look good with tiny hats and striped shirts playing an accordion. But, I digress.

While parents, teachers and relatives try to influence children's future careers, it is our responsibility to really listen to what children have to say. If a child wants to be a clown, who am I to squelch his dream? As far as I'm concerned, there are not enough clowns in this country. I think clowns should be admitted to Harvard and graduate alongside with doctors and lawyers. There's no reason why they can't walk proudly down the aisle to receive their diplomas; even ride their 12 inch bicycles.

In other words, this country needs both politicians and clowns. If the economy gets any worse, we'll need clowns and comedians more than ever. Imagine a Presidential speech being interrupted by: "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this speech for a very important message." The President steps aside for Loopty Lou, the clown, who dazzles the public with his juggling, tricks and story telling. Although not much different than some politicians, he adds comic relief until the public is ready, once again, for the President to resume his speech.

While some of us are fortunate enough, at the age of 7, to know what we want to do with the rest of our life, others are still struggling with this decision at 57. Then there are those who change careers later in life. To them we say: "Nobody likes a show-off. Being an astronaut wasn't good enough for you? You had to be a doctor also?"

If you are one of many, searching for a career, but don't know which way to turn, the following guidelines will be helpful. It's really not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as "123, ABC...do, re, mi." Yes, you could be a Michael Jackson impersonator. You may already look more like him, than he does. It's worth a try. Or you may be more interested in being an Elvis look-alike, singing "Blue Suede Shoes". If you can't sing, but like blue suede shoes, consider a career in retail. Always consider all your options.

As you can see, there are so many professions to choose from. The sky's the limit. Although, technically it's not. Have you ever considered a job as an airline pilot? I haven't, but, I would like to see more female pilots. Actually, I don't remember seeing any over the years. I know that women are not only capable of flying, but, also they are not afraid to ask for directions. Do you ever wonder when you're flying and the pilot announces: "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, there will be a delay in landing. We are experiencing: fog, heavy traffic, the Red Baron, et cetera, et cetera. I sometimes wonder if the pilot is being totally honest. It wouldn't sound very good to say "I thought we were coming into Chicago, but my co-pilot thinks we made a wrong turn and we are now over Katmandu." Instead they make a quick U-turn, making more excuses to the passengers, all the while proud that they didn't have to stop and ask for directions.

If you are still confused, then you're not alone. I often wonder why I'm sitting at my computer, writing at midnight when other people are sleeping. I have come to realize that there are less interruptions at night: no ringing telephones, work or family obligations. As long as it's quiet, I feel free to type incessantly into the night. Everything seems a little funnier at night. At least that's what I keep telling myself as the clock strikes one, two and three o'clock. But, I digress again.

Choosing a profession is very important. While there are so many factors to consider, it's also helpful to reduce the whole process to several, simple questions. With this in mind, I offer the ABC's of Choosing a Career.

A. ABILITY
Do you have the ability to pursue your goal? Let's be realistic. You may really want to be a doctor. You have been a fan of every medical program on TV from "Dr. Kildare" to "Grey's Anatomy" and you want to help people. However, if you're not prepared to spend many, many years studying to be a doctor, then it's not the right choice for you. There are other careers, that require less education for those interested in the medical field. There is always a great demand for physician assistants and nurses and you can work before you actually are eligible to sign up for AARP. I still can't figure out why doctors don't have more answers if they've gone to school for so long. I have lots of answers to medical questions and, I'm not a doctor.

You also want to take inventory of your own personal strengths as well as weaknesses. Being an architect may seem exciting and challenging. However, if you are not mathematically and spatially inclined, you would be wise to choose another job. There are many exciting careers to consider. Remember Loopty Lou, the clown? In the coming years, he may well be in great demand.

B. BACK UP
Do you have a back up plan? Unfortunately, life can throw us some real curve balls. In the current economy many jobs are being eliminated. What would you do if your job in management or consulting was eliminated? Could you transfer your business and leadership skills to another profession? On a Mike Huckabee show, the former governor of Arkansas, stated that following a liberal arts program in college could be useful in preparing for different careers. While he has a B.A. In Religion, and is an ordained minister, he has also been a governor, an author, public speaker and television talk show host. Let's not forget guitarist. His comment suggested that with a liberal arts degree, one could use this as a platform to branch out into many different fields.

C.COMMITMENT
Whatever career you choose to pursue, are you committed to it? If you want to be a social worker, investigate different schools and programs. Talk to career counselors and do your own research on the internet. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a nursing home. Ask a social worker if he or she can mentor you. In other words, prepare. If you are committed to pursuing a career, learn all about it before you register for classes. You may discover, that it's not the profession for you after all.

Remember that there is one thing that everybody wants and that's happiness, unless you're a cranky cartoon character named, Maxine. One of my favorite quotes is: "Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit."

The author of that is unknown, but, I wouldn't be surprised if he or she is a clown, or a comedian or even a writer. I'm not saying that I made that up but I'm not saying that I didn't either.

Good luck in your job search. Remember to consider all of your options. Maybe you could be the next President of the United States.